Engineering advanced hierarchical nanoparticle surfaces via pulsed laser ablation for enhanced bone tissue regeneration

The placement of dental implants for aesthetic and functional rehabilitation is increasingly common, yet challenges remain in understanding the cellular response of bone tissue to biomaterials post-implantation. This study investigates the deposition of hierarchical surface coatings using bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation, aiming to enhance the bioactivity and biocompatibility of dental implants. The hierarchical coatings, composed of micro and nanoscale structures, were evaluated for their morphology, chemical structure, and cellular responses through in vitro assays. The results demonstrated that nanoparticles produced from hydroxyapatite (NPHA) exhibited sizes ranging from 38 to 220 nm, while those from niobo-phosphate bioglass (NPBg) ranged from 18 to 164 nm. These particles formed heterogeneous coatings with increased hydrophilicity, as evidenced by contact angle measurements showing values of 42° for NPHA and 8° for NPBg, compared to 72° and 91° for uncoated silicon and titanium, respectively. Cellular adhesion tests revealed that NPHA and NPBg coatings significantly improved cell adhesion and spreading after 24 h, with NPBg showing the highest total area occupied by cells. Furthermore, mineralization assays indicated that both coatings enhanced calcium phosphate precipitation, with significant differences observed compared to control samples after 7 and 21 days. These findings suggest that hierarchical coatings with tailored micro and nanoscale features can substantially improve the osseointegration and bioactivity of dental implants, offering a promising approach for advanced biomaterials in regenerative medicine. •Hierarchical nanoparticle coatings enhance dental implant bioactivity.•NPHA and NPBg coatings significantly increase surface hydrophilicity, aiding cell adhesion.•Micro and nanoscale structures on coatings mimic natural bone, aiding tissue regeneration.•Enhanced calcium phosphate mineralization observed on both NPHA and NPBg surfaces.•NPBg showed late bioactivity, good for long-term applications.